Wenger: Koscielny played through back injury

The France international appeared in his first match of the season during the goalless draw, but manager Arsene Wenger revealed Monday that Koscielny, who was given an extended break following his time with France at Euro 2016, played through a back injury.

“I saw that we were a bit too young (in defence) and I have no real solution at central defence at the moment. In fairness he had a big back problem (Friday) when he came out of the training,” Wenger said.

“We came with 19 players and (on Saturday) morning we decided that he could play and I think it saved us this point.”

Though it was only Arsenal’s second game of the season, the defensive performance was vastly improved compared to the north London side’s opening-match loss, when Liverpool came away from the Emirates Stadium with a 4-3 triumph.

Wenger may opt to deploy the same centre-back pairing Saturday, with Koscielny lined up next to Rob Holding against Watford.